Cerro Gordo County authorities sued over dislocated elbow

MASON CITY, Iowa – Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals, Cerro Gordo County Jail, Mason City police, and staff members are all being taken to federal court over a woman’s dislocated elbow she says she suffered while being arrested by Mason City police officers.

45-year-old Margaret Foster, of Mason City, was arrested on January 19, 2012. She says during the course of her arrest, officers dislocated her elbow, and denied her requests for medical attention. She also claims that she was denied care while in jail, and had surgery to repair her elbow on January 25, 2012.

Foster alleges negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violation of her civil rights. She’s asking for compensation for her injuries and punitive damages.

This lawsuit was originally filed in district court in January 2013, but was moved to federal court this week after it was determined the federal court has jurisdiction.